Discontinuous reception inactivity timer for pdcch repetition

Abstract

An apparatus that allows a UE to determine whether a detected PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate with repetition. The apparatus monitors a PDCCH based on a DRX configuration, the DRX configuration having an inactivity timer. The apparatus determines whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled, where the linked PDCCH candidate consists of two or more PDCCH repetitions. The apparatus starts the inactivity timer in a first symbol after an end of at least one of the two or more PDCCH repetitions.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application S / N. 63 / 073,584, filed September 2, 2020, entitled "Discontinuous Reception Inactivity Timer for PDCCH Repetition", and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 410,890, filed August 24, 2021, entitled "Discontinuous Reception Inactivity Timer for PDCCH Repetition", both of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to communication systems, and more particularly to the configuration of an inactive timer for discontinuous reception (DRX) of repeated physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0004] introduction

[0005] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunications services such as telephone, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems employ multiple access technologies that enable communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of such multiple access technologies include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0006] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol enabling different wireless devices to communicate at the city, country, region, and even global levels. An example telecommunications standard is 5G New Radio (NR). 5G NR is part of the continuous evolution of mobile broadband, promulgated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to meet new requirements associated with latency, reliability, security, scalability (e.g., with the Internet of Things (IoT), and other requirements. 5G NR includes services associated with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). Some aspects of 5G NR can be based on the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. There is a need for further improvements to 5G NR technology. These improvements can also be applied to other multiple access technologies and telecommunications standards that adopt them.

[0007] Brief Overview

[0008] The following provides a brief overview of one or more aspects to offer a basic understanding of such aspects. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all conceived aspects, nor is it intended to identify the key or decisive elements of all aspects, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description that follows.

[0009] In one aspect of this disclosure, a method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a device at a UE. The device may be a processor and / or modem at the UE, or the UE itself. The apparatus monitors the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on a Discontinuous Receive (DRX) configuration having an inactive timer. The apparatus determines whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled, wherein the linked PDCCH candidate consists of two or more PDCCH repetitions. After at least one of the two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended, the apparatus starts the inactive timer in a first symbol.

[0010] In one aspect of this disclosure, a method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a device at a base station. The device may be a processor and / or modem at the base station or the base station itself. The apparatus is configured with a discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration having an inactive timer. Based on this DRX configuration, the apparatus transmits a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to a user equipment (UE), wherein the PDCCH corresponds to linked PDCCH candidates and new transmissions are scheduled, wherein the linked PDCCH candidates consist of two or more repeated PDCCHs.

[0011] To achieve the foregoing and related objectives, these one or more aspects include the features fully described below and specifically pointed out in the claims. Certain illustrative features of these one or more aspects are set forth in detail in the following description and drawings. However, these features merely indicate a few of the various ways in which the principles of these various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to cover all such aspects and their equivalents. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and access network.

[0014] Figure 2A This is an example illustration of the first frame explaining various aspects of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2B This is a diagram illustrating an example of a DL channel within a subframe according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2C This is an example illustration of the second frame explaining various aspects of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2D This is a diagram illustrating an example of a UL channel within a subframe according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a base station and user equipment (UE) in an access network.

[0019] Figure 4 An example of DRX configuration was explained.

[0020] Figures 5A-5B An example of a DRX configuration with repeated PDCCH is explained.

[0021] Figure 6 An example of a DRX configuration with repeated PDCCH is explained.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a call flow diagram of signaling between the UE and the base station.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of the example device.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of the example device.

[0029] Detailed description

[0030] The detailed description that follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent only the configurations in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. This detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0031] Several aspects of a telecommunications system will now be described with reference to various apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses and methods will be described in detail below and explained in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as elements). These elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0032] As an example, an element, or any part of an element, or any combination of elements, may be implemented as a processing system comprising one or more processors. Examples of processors include: microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, system-on-a-chip (SoCs), baseband processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionalities described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in the processing system may execute software. Software should be broadly interpreted as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or other terms.

[0033] Accordingly, in one or more example embodiments, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media. Storage media may be any available medium accessible to a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of these types of computer-readable media, or any other medium capable of being used to store computer-executable code in the form of instructions or data structures accessible to a computer.

[0034] While aspects are described herein by way of example, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases can arise in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, implementations and / or devices may arise via integrated chip implementations and other non-modular component-based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / shopping devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specific to particular use cases or applications, broad applicability of the described innovations is possible. Implementations can range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations, and further to aggregated, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovations. In some practical settings, devices incorporating the described aspects and features may also include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals requires several components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The innovations described herein are intended to be implemented in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, aggregated or decomposed components, end-user equipment, etc., of various sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0035] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and access network 100. The wireless communication system (also known as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) includes base station 102, UE 104, evolved packet core (EPC) 160, and another core network 190 (e.g., a 5G core (5GC)). Base station 102 may include macrocells (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cells (low-power cellular base stations). Macrocells include base stations. Small cells include femtocells, picocells, and microcells.

[0036] Base station 102 configured for 4G LTE (collectively referred to as Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) can interface with EPC 160 via a first backhaul link 132 (e.g., S1 interface). Base station 102 configured for 5G NR (collectively referred to as Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN)) can interface with core network 190 via a second backhaul link 184. Among other functions, base station 102 can also perform one or more of the following functions: user data delivery, radio channel cryptography and cryptography decoding, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracking, RAN Information Management (RIM), paging, location, and delivery of alarm messages. Base station 102 can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC 160 or core network 190) on third backhaul link 134 (e.g., X2 interface). First backhaul link 132, second backhaul link 184 and third backhaul link 134 can be wired or wireless.

[0037] Base station 102 can wirelessly communicate with UE 104. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for its respective geographical coverage area 110. Overlapping geographical coverage areas 110 may exist. For example, small cell 102' may have coverage areas 110' that overlap with the coverage areas 110 of one or more macro base stations 102. A network that includes both small cells and macro cells may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. The heterogeneous network may also include a Home Evolved B Node (eNB) (HeNB) that can provide services to a restricted group referred to as a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG). The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (UL) (also known as reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also known as forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technologies, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. These communication links may use one or more carriers. For each carrier allocated in a total of up to Yx MHz (x component carriers) for transmission in each direction, the base station 102 / UE 104 may use a spectrum with a bandwidth of up to Y MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400 MHz, etc.). These carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other. The allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to DL compared to UL). Component carriers may include primary component carriers and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier may be referred to as the primary cell (PCell), and the secondary component carrier may be referred to as the secondary cell (SCell).

[0038] Some UEs 104 may communicate with each other using device-to-device (D2D) communication link 158. D2D communication link 158 may use DL / UL WWAN spectrum. D2D communication link 158 may use one or more sidelink channels, such as the Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH), Physical Sidelink Discovery Channel (PSDCH), Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), and Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH). D2D communication can be achieved through a wide variety of wireless D2D communication systems, such as, for example, WiMedia, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

[0039] The wireless communication system may further include a Wi-Fi access point (AP) 150 communicating with a Wi-Fi station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154, for example, in an unlicensed spectrum such as 5 GHz. When communicating in unlicensed spectrum, the STA 152 / AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) before communication to determine whether the channel is available.

[0040] Small cell 102' can operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, small cell 102' can employ NR and use the same unlicensed spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz, etc.) used by Wi-Fi AP 150. Small cell 102' employing NR in unlicensed spectrum can enhance access network coverage and / or increase access network capacity.

[0041] The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various classes, bands, channels, etc., based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been designated as frequency ranges FR1 (410MHz–7.125GHz) and FR2 (24.25GHz–52.6GHz). Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6GHz, it is generally (interchangeably) referred to as the “sub-6GHz” band in various documents and articles. Similar naming issues sometimes arise regarding FR2; although different from the Very High Frequency (EHF) band (30GHz–300GHz) designated as the “millimeter wave” band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), FR2 is generally (interchangeably) referred to as the “millimeter wave” band in various documents and articles.

[0042] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as intermediate frequency (IF) bands. Recent 5G NR studies have designated the operating bands of these IF bands as the frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz – 24.25 GHz). Bands falling within FR3 can inherit FR1 and / or FR2 characteristics, thus effectively extending the features of FR1 and / or FR2 into the IF band. Additionally, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation above 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating frequency bands have been designated as the frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz – 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz – 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz – 300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0043] In light of the foregoing, unless otherwise stated, it should be understood that, as used herein, the term "sub-6GHz" and the like can broadly refer to frequencies less than 6GHz, within FR1, or including intermediate frequency band frequencies. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, it should be understood that, as used herein, the term "millimeter wave" and the like can broadly refer to frequencies that can include intermediate frequency band frequencies, within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1 and / or FR5, or within the EHF band.

[0044] Whether it is a small cell 102' or a large cell (e.g., a macro base station), base station 102 may include and / or be referred to as an eNB, gB node (gNB), or another type of base station. Some base stations (such as gNB 180) may operate in conventional sub-6 GHz spectrum, millimeter wave frequencies, and / or near-millimeter wave frequencies to communicate with UE 104. When gNB 180 operates in millimeter wave frequencies or near-millimeter wave frequencies, gNB 180 may be referred to as a millimeter wave base station. Millimeter wave base station 180 may utilize beamforming 182 with UE 104 to compensate for path loss and short range. Base station 180 and UE 104 may each include multiple antennas, such as antenna elements, antenna panels, and / or antenna arrays, to facilitate beamforming.

[0045] Base station 180 may transmit beamformed signals to UE 104 in one or more transmission directions 182'. UE 104 may receive beamformed signals from base station 180 in one or more reception directions 182'. UE 104 may also transmit beamformed signals to base station 180 in one or more transmission directions. Base station 180 may receive beamformed signals from UE 104 in one or more reception directions. Base station 180 / UE 104 may perform beam training to determine the optimal reception and transmission directions for each of base station 180 / UE 104. The transmission and reception directions of base station 180 may be the same or different. The transmission and reception directions of UE 104 may be the same or different.

[0046] EPC 160 may include Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, Serving Gateway 166, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) Gateway 168, Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) 170, and Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway 172. MME 162 may communicate with Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 174. MME 162 is the control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and EPC 160. Generally, MME 162 provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are delivered through Serving Gateway 166, which is itself connected to PDN Gateway 172. PDN Gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. PDN Gateway 172 and BM-SC 170 are connected to IP Service 176. IP Service 176 may include the Internet, intranet, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), PS streaming service, and / or other IP services. The BM-SC 170 provides functionality for MBMS user service provisioning and delivery. The BM-SC 170 can serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmissions, authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS gateway 168 can be used to distribute MBMS traffic to base station 102 within a Broadcast-Specific Service Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area, and can be responsible for session management (start / stop) and collecting eMBMS-related billing information.

[0047] The core network 190 may include Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 192, other AMFs 193, Session Management Functions (SMF) 194, and User Plane Functions (UPF) 195. AMF 192 may communicate with Unified Data Management (UDM) 196. AMF 192 is the control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and the core network 190. Generally, AMF 192 provides QoS flow and session management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transmitted through UPF 195. UPF 195 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. UPF 195 connects to IP services 197. IP services 197 may include the Internet, intranet, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Packet Switched (PS) Streaming (PSS) services, and / or other IP services.

[0048] Base stations may include and / or be referred to as gNB, B-node, eNB, access point, base transceiver station, radio base station, radio transceiver, transceiver function, basic service set (BSS), extended service set (ESS), transmit / receive point (TRP), or some other suitable term. Base station 102 provides UE 104 with access to EPC 160 or core network 190. Examples of UE 104 include cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptop devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), satellite radios, GPS devices, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, tablet devices, smart devices, wearable devices, vehicles, electricity meters, gas pumps, large or small kitchen appliances, healthcare devices, implants, sensors / actuators, displays, or any other similar functional devices. Some UE 104 may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking timers, oil pumps, ovens, vehicles, heart monitors, etc.). UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, radio unit, remote unit, mobile device, radio device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, radio terminal, remote terminal, handheld device, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable term. In some scenarios, the term UE may also apply to one or more accompanying devices, such as in a device constellation arrangement. One or more of these devices may access the network jointly and / or individually.

[0049] Refer again Figure 1 In some respects, UE 104 can be configured to determine whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate. For example, UE 104 may include a determining component 198 configured to determine whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled. UE 104 may monitor the PDCCH based on a DRX configuration having an inactive timer. UE 104 may determine whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled, wherein the linked PDCCH candidate consists of two or more PDCCH repetitions. UE 104 may start the inactive timer in a first symbol after at least one of the two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended.

[0050] Refer again Figure 1In some aspects, base station 180 may be configured to transmit PDCCHs that may correspond to linked PDCCH candidates. For example, base station 180 may include PDCCH component 199 configured to transmit PDCCHs that may correspond to linked PDCCH candidates. Base station 180 may be configured with a DRX configuration having an inactive timer. Base station 180 may transmit PDCCHs to the UE based on this DRX configuration, wherein the PDCCHs correspond to linked PDCCH candidates and new transmissions are scheduled, wherein the linked PDCCH candidates consist of two or more repeated PDCCHs.

[0051] While the following description may focus on 5G NR, the concepts described herein are applicable to other similar areas such as LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, GSM, and other wireless technologies.

[0052] Figure 2A This is a diagram 200 illustrating an example of the first subframe within the 5G NR frame structure. Figure 2B Figure 230 is an example illustrating the DL channel within a 5G NR subframe. Figure 2C This is a diagram 250 illustrating an example of the second subframe within the 5G NR frame structure. Figure 2D Figure 280 illustrates an example of the UL channel within a 5G NR subframe. The 5G NR frame structure can be Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), where subframes within a specific set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth) are dedicated to either DL or UL; or it can be Time Division Duplex (TDD), where subframes within a specific set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth) are dedicated to both DL and UL. Figure 2A , 2C In the provided example, the 5G NR frame structure is assumed to be TDD, where subframe 4 is configured with slot format 28 (mostly DL) and subframe 3 is configured with slot format 1 (both UL), where D is DL, U is UL, and F is provided for flexible use between DL and UL. Although subframes 3 and 4 are shown as having slot formats 1 and 28, respectively, any particular subframe can be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0 and 1 are all DL and all UL, respectively. Other slot formats 2-61 include a mixture of DL, UL, and flexible symbols. The UE is configured to have a slot format via the received Slot Format Indicator (SFI) (dynamically configured via DL Control Information (DCI) or semi-statically / statically configured via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling). Note that the following description also applies to 5G NR frame structures for TDD.

[0053] Figures 2A-2DThe frame structure has been explained, and aspects of this disclosure are applicable to other wireless communication technologies that may have different frame structures and / or different channels. A frame (10 ms) can be divided into 10 equally sized subframes (1 ms). Each subframe may include one or more time slots. Subframes may also include mini-time slots, which may include 7, 4, or 2 symbols. Each time slot may include 14 or 12 symbols, depending on whether the cyclic prefix (CP) is normal CP or extended CP. For normal CP, each time slot may include 14 symbols, while for extended CP, each time slot may include 12 symbols. Symbols on the DL can be CP Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) (CP-OFDM) symbols. Symbols on the UL can be CP-OFDM symbols (for high-throughput scenarios) or Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbols (also known as Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbols) (for power-constrained scenarios; limited to single-stream transmission). The number of time slots within a subframe is based on the CP and parameter design. The parameter design defines the subcarrier spacing (SCS) and, in effect, the symbol length / duration, which is equal to 1 / SCS.

[0054]

[0055] For a normal CP (14 symbols / slot), different parameter designs μ0 to 4 allow 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 slots per subframe, respectively. For an extended CP, parameter design 2 allows 4 slots per subframe. Correspondingly, for the normal CP and parameter design μ, there are 14 symbols / slot and 2... μ One time slot / subframe. The subcarrier spacing can be equal to 2. μ *15kHz, where μ is the parameter design from 0 to 4. Thus, parameter design μ = 0 has a subcarrier spacing of 15kHz, while parameter design μ = 4 has a subcarrier spacing of 240kHz. Symbol length / duration is inversely correlated with subcarrier spacing. Figures 2A to 2D An example of a normal CP with 14 symbols per time slot and a parameter design of μ=2 with 4 time slots per subframe is provided. The time slot duration is 0.25ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60kHz, and the symbol duration is approximately 16.67μs. Within the frame set, there may be one or more different bandwidth portions (BWPs) that are frequency-division multiplexed (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2B Each BWP can have specific parameter designs and CP (normal or extended).

[0056] A resource grid can be used to represent the frame structure. Each time slot includes a resource block (RB) extending 12 consecutive subcarriers (also known as a physical RB (PRB)). The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0057] like Figure 2A As explained in the text, some REs carry reference (pilot) signals (RS) for the UE. RSs may include demodulation RS (DM-RS) for channel estimation at the UE (indicated as R for a particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS). RSs may also include beam measurement RS (BRS), beam refinement RS (BRRS), and phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0058] Figure 2B Examples of various DL channels within a subframe of a frame are explained. The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries the DCI within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs) (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs). Each CCE includes 6 RE Groups (REGs), and each REG includes 12 coherent REs in the OFDM symbols of the RB. A PDCCH within a BWP may be referred to as a Control Resource Set (CORESET). The UE is configured to monitor PDCCH candidates in a PDCCH search space (e.g., a shared search space, a UE-specific search space) during PDCCH monitoring on the CORESET, where the PDCCH candidates have different DCI formats and different aggregation levels. Additional BWPs may be located at higher and / or lower frequencies across the channel bandwidth. The Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) may be located within symbol 2 of a specific subframe of the frame. The PSS is used by the UE 104 to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identity. The Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) may be located within symbol 4 of a specific subframe of the frame. The SSS is used by the UE to determine the Physical Layer Cell Identity Group Number and radio frame timing. Based on the Physical Layer Identity and the Physical Layer Cell Identity Group Number, the UE can determine the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the DM-RS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), carrying the Master Information Block (MIB), can logically group with the PSS and SSS to form a Synchronization Signal (SS) / PBCH block (also known as an SS block (SSB)). The MIB provides the number of RBs in the system bandwidth and the System Frame Number (SFN). The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted via the PBCH (such as System Information Block (SIB)), and paging messages.

[0059] As in Figure 2CAs explained, some REs carry DM-RS for channel estimation at the base station (indicated as R for a specific configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible). The UE can transmit DM-RS for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) and DM-RS for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS can be transmitted in the first or first two symbols of the PUSCH. The PUCCH DM-RS can be transmitted in different configurations depending on whether a short or long PUCCH is being transmitted and on the specific PUCCH format used. The UE can transmit a probe reference signal (SRS). The SRS can be transmitted in the last symbol of a subframe. The SRS can have a comb structure, and the UE can transmit the SRS on one of the combs. The SRS can be used by the base station for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling on the UL.

[0060] Figure 2D Examples of various UL channels within a subframe of the explanatory frame. The PUCCH may be located as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicators (CQI), precoding matrix indicators (PMI), rank indicators (RI), and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment (ACK) feedback (i.e., one or more HARQ ACK bits indicating one or more ACKs and / or negative ACKs (NACKs)). The PUCCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry buffer status reports (BSR), power clearance reports (PHR), and / or UCIs.

[0061] Figure 3This is a block diagram showing the communication between base station 310 and UE 350 in the access network. In the DL, IP packets from EPC160 can be provided to controller / processor 375. Controller / processor 375 implements Layer 3 and Layer 2 functionality. Layer 3 includes the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Layer 2 includes the Serving Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The controller / processor 375 provides RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting system information (e.g., MIB, SIB), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration of UE measurement reports; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer packet data unit (PDU) delivery, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel priority differentiation.

[0062] Transmit (TX) processor 316 and receive (RX) processor 370 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, including the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) decoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. TX processor 316 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The decoded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an OFDM subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domains, and subsequently combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from channel estimator 374 can be used to determine coding and modulation schemes and for spatial processing. The channel estimates can be derived from reference signals and / or channel condition feedback transmitted by UE 350. Each spatial stream can then be provided to a different antenna 320 via a separate transmitter 318TX. Each transmitter 318TX can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate a radio frequency (RF) carrier for transmission.

[0063] At UE 350, each receiver 354RX receives signals via its respective antenna 352. Each receiver 354RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to the receive (RX) processor 356. The TX processor 368 and RX processor 356 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 356 can perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial stream destined for UE 350. If multiple spatial streams are destined for UE 350, they can be combined by the RX processor 356 into a single OFDM symbol stream. The RX processor 356 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to transform the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency domain signal consists of a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, along with the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the signal constellation points most likely to be transmitted by base station 310. These soft decisions can be based on a channel estimate calculated by channel estimator 358. These soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the original data and control signals transmitted by base station 310 over the physical channel. This data and control signals are then provided to controller / processor 359, which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality.

[0064] The controller / processor 359 may be associated with a memory 360 that stores program code and data. The memory 360 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 359 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the EPC 160. The controller / processor 359 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operation.

[0065] Similar to the functionality described in conjunction with DL transmissions performed by base station 310, controller / processor 359 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) capture, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression and security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer PDU delivery, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing MAC SDUs onto TBs, demultiplexing MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel priority differentiation.

[0066] The channel estimate derived by the channel estimator 358 from the reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 310 can be used by the TX processor 368 to select an appropriate coding and modulation scheme and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by the TX processor 368 can be provided to different antennas 352 via separate transmitters 354TX. Each transmitter 354TX can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0067] UL transmissions are processed at base station 310 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver function at UE 350. Each receiver 318RX receives signals via its corresponding antenna 320. Each receiver 318RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides that information to the RX processor 370.

[0068] The controller / processor 375 may be associated with a memory 376 that stores program code and data. The memory 376 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 375 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE 350. IP packets from the controller / processor 375 may be provided to the EPC 160. The controller / processor 375 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operation.

[0069] At least one of the TX processor 368, RX processor 356, and controller / processor 359 can be configured to perform and Figure 1 The 198 combines various aspects.

[0070] At least one of the TX processor 316, RX processor 370, and controller / processor 375 can be configured to perform operations related to... Figure 1 The 198 combines various aspects.

[0071] In a wireless communication system, a UE can be configured to have DRX, allowing the UE to determine the active time based on one or more timers. The UE can monitor the PDCCH during the active time but not outside of it. One or more timers may include: drx-onDurationTimer, which may correspond to the duration at the start of a DRX cycle; drx-InactivityTimer, which may correspond to the duration after the PDCCH timing, where the PDCC initiates a new uplink or downlink transmission for the MAC entity; drx-RetransmissionTimerDL (for each downlink HARQ process), which may correspond to the maximum duration until a downlink retransmission is received; and drx-RetransmissionTimerUL (for each uplink HARQ process), which may correspond to the maximum duration until an uplink retransmission is permitted to be received. The active time may include the duration during which drx-onDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, or drx-RetransmissionTimerUL runs (or, in the presence of other conditions, such as, but not limited to, RACH or SR procedures).

[0072] Figure 4Example 400 illustrates DRX configuration. A UE can be configured to have DRX functionality. During RRC connectivity, when no data transmission occurs in either direction (e.g., uplink / downlink), the UE can enter DRX mode, in which the UE uses a sleep and wake-up cycle to begin discontinuous monitoring of the PDCCH channel. DRX configuration can be configured by the network in RRC signaling from the base station. DRX configuration can include the configuration of any of several timers and values, such as any of the following: on duration 402, DRX inactive timer 406, active duration 408, and DRX period 410. DRX period 410 can include periodic repetition of the on duration 402 when the UE monitors the PDCCH 404 and the off duration when the UE does not monitor the PDCCH. The DRX inactive timer gives the time (e.g., duration by Transmission Time Interval (TTI)) after the UE successfully decodes the PDCCH and before the UE can re-enter the off duration. The enable duration timer can indicate the number of consecutive PDCCH subframes that the UE needs to monitor / decode when it wakes up from the disable duration during the DRX cycle.

[0073] If PDCCH 404 indicates a new transmission (e.g., downlink or uplink), the UE can start or restart the inactive timer 406 (e.g., drx-InactivityTimer) in the first symbol after the end of PDCCH reception. Figure 4 As shown in Example 400, starting or restarting an inactive timer 406 can extend the active time 408.

[0074] In some instances, PDCCH repetition may occur, where each repetition may be a PDCCH candidate. Two or more PDCCH candidates can be chained together for possible repetitions of the same DCI. In some instances, a third PDCCH candidate can be defined by chaining two or more PDCCH candidates to form a chained PDCCH candidate. Different PDCCH repetitions can be transmitted using different Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) states, which can allow for increased diversity or reliability. The UE can perform blind decoding for each PDCCH candidate. Two blind decodings may correspond to the first and second PDCCH candidates, while another blind decoding may correspond to a chained PDCCH candidate with repetitions.

[0075] In some instances, if the PDCCH indicates a new transmission of PDSCH or PUSCH, the start of the inactive timer may not be correctly defined. The UE should reliably determine whether the detected PDCCH corresponds to a linked candidate with repetitions. If the UE determines that the detected PDCCH corresponds to a linked candidate, the UE should be able to determine when to start the inactive timer. In some instances, some PDCCH repetitions of linked PDCCH candidates may occur within the active time, while other PDCCH repetitions may occur outside the active time, and the UE should be configured to determine the monitoring of linked PDCCH candidates in such instances.

[0076] The aspects presented herein provide configurations for allowing the UE to determine whether a detected PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate with repetitions, such that the UE is configured to start an inactive timer after one of the PDCCH repetitions. This configuration can also configure the UE to determine how to monitor linked PDCCH candidates.

[0077] Figures 5A-5B Examples 500 and 520 with DRX configurations featuring PDCCH repetition are explained. Figure 5A In Example 500, the DRX configuration can configure an enable duration 502, a DRX inactivity timer 506, an active time 508, and a DRX period 510. The UE can be configured to determine whether a detected PDCCH 504 corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate. A linked PDCCH candidate may consist of two or more PDCCH repetitions. In some instances, the detected PDCCH 504 may schedule a new transmission (e.g., a PDSCH for downlink or a PUSCH for uplink). A new Data Indicator (NDI) can be switched for an indicated HARQ process identifier corresponding to the scheduled PDSCH or PUSCH. The UE can be configured to start or restart the DRX inactivity timer 506 (e.g., drx-InactivityTimer) in the first symbol of one of the PDCCH repetitions. Figure 5A In Example 500, the UE can start or restart the DRX inactive timer 506 in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition of the linked PDCCH candidate has ended. Figure 5B In Example 520, the UE can start or restart the DRX inactive timer 506 in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition of the linked PDCCH candidate has ended.

[0078] To determine whether a detected PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate, the UE can utilize blind decoding to detect / decode the PDCCH. For example, the UE can decode a linked candidate even though the base station may have already actually transmitted the PDCCH in a single candidate corresponding only to one of the repetitions, or vice versa. In some aspects, if the UE detects a DCI only in one repetition, two or more linked PDCCH candidates can always be together. The UE can assume that a linked PDCCH candidate has been detected. In some aspects, bits within the DCI itself can indicate whether the detected DCI corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate. In some aspects, a different RNTI compared to the Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) used for each PDCCH candidate can be used for Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) scrambling of the DCI when it corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate. In some respects, a different DMRS scrambling identifier (e.g., pdcch-DMRS-ScramblingID) can be used for PDCCH scrambling (e.g., scrambling of the coded bits of DCI) and / or for DMRS scrambling when the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate, compared to the DMRS scrambling identifier used for a single PDCCH candidate.

[0079] Figure 6 Example 600 describes a DRX configuration with PDCCH repetition. The DRX configuration can be configured with an on-duration 602, an active time 606, and a DRX period 608. In some aspects, for linked PDCCH candidates that may consist of multiple repetitions, if one or more repetitions are within the active time 606, and one or more other repetitions are outside the active time 606, the UE can monitor linked PDCCH candidates including all repetitions. In some aspects, the UE can monitor only repetitions of linked PDCCH candidates within the active time. In some aspects, if one or more repetitions are within the active time, and one or more other repetitions are outside the active time, the UE does not monitor linked PDCCH candidates in any repetition.

[0080] Figure 7 This is a call flow diagram 700 showing the signaling between UE 702 and base station 704. Base station 704 can be configured to provide at least one cellular cell. UE 702 can be configured to communicate with base station 704. For example, in Figure 1 In the context of this, base station 704 may correspond to base station 102 / 180, and accordingly, the cellular cell may include a geographical coverage area 110 in which communication coverage is provided and / or a small cellular cell 102' having coverage area 110'. Furthermore, UE 702 may correspond to at least UE 104. In another example, in Figure 3In the context of UE 704, UE 704 can correspond to UE 310, and UE 702 can correspond to UE 350.

[0081] As explained in section 706, base station 704 can be configured with DRX configuration. DRX configuration may include an inactive timer. Base station 704 can configure DRX configuration for UE 702.

[0082] As explained in section 708, base station 704 can transmit DRX configuration. Base station 704 can transmit the DRX configuration to UE 702. UE 702 can receive the DRX configuration from base station 704. The base station can transmit the DRX configuration to UE 702 via RRC signaling.

[0083] As explained in 710, UE 702 can monitor the PDCCH from base station 704. UE 702 can monitor the PDCCH from base station 704 based on DRX configuration. DRX configuration may include an inactive timer.

[0084] As explained in section 712, base station 704 can transmit PDCCH based on DRX configuration. Base station 704 can transmit PDCCH to UE 702 based on DRX configuration. UE 702 can receive PDCCH from base station 704. Base station 704 can transmit linked PDCCH candidates. Linked PDCCH candidates can consist of two or more repeated PDCCHs.

[0085] As explained in 714, UE 702 can determine whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled. A linked PDCCH candidate may consist of two or more PDCCH repetitions. In some aspects, UE 702 can determine that the PDCCH corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate based on at least one of the following: two or more linked PDCCH candidates can always be received together; a bit in the downlink control information (DCI) can indicate that the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate; when the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, different RNTIs can be used for scrambling the DCI, or different scrambling identifiers can be used for PDCCH scrambling or demodulation reference signal (DMRS) scrambling. In some aspects, at least the first repetition can be within the active time, and at least the second repetition can be outside the active time. In some aspects, all repetitions of the linked PDCCH candidate can be monitored. In some aspects, only repetitions within the active time can be monitored. In some respects, the repetition of the linked PDCCH candidate may not be monitored.

[0086] As explained in 716, the UE may start the inactive timer in the first symbol after at least one of the two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended. In some aspects, the inactive timer may be started in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition has ended. In some aspects, the inactive timer may be started in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition has ended.

[0087] Figure 8 This is a flowchart 800 of a wireless communication method. The method can be performed by a UE or a component of the UE (e.g., UE 104; device 1002; cellular baseband processor 1004, which may include memory 360 and may be the entire UE 350 or components of the UE 350 (such as TX processor 368, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359)). One or more of the described operations may be omitted, interchanged, or performed simultaneously. The method can configure the UE to determine whether a detected PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate with repeating patterns, such that the UE starts an inactive timer after one of the PDCCH repeats.

[0088] In step 802, the UE can monitor the PDCCH. For example, step 802 can be performed by the monitoring component 1042 of device 1002. The UE can monitor the PDCCH based on the DRX configuration. The DRX configuration may include an inactive timer.

[0089] At step 804, the UE can determine whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled. For example, step 804 can be performed by the determination component 1044 of device 1002. A linked PDCCH candidate may consist of two or more PDCCH repetitions. In some aspects, the UE can determine that the PDCCH corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate based on at least one of the following: two or more linked PDCCH candidates can always be received together; a bit in the downlink control information (DCI) can indicate that the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate; when the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, a different radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) can be used for scrambling the DCI, or a different scrambling identifier can be used for PDCCH scrambling or demodulation reference signal (DMRS) scrambling. In some aspects, at least the first repetition can be within the active time, and at least the second repetition can be outside the active time. In some aspects, all repetitions of the linked PDCCH candidate can be monitored. In some aspects, only repetitions within the active time can be monitored. In some respects, the repetition of the linked PDCCH candidate may not be monitored.

[0090] In 806, the UE may start the inactive timer in the first symbol after at least one of the two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended. For example, 806 may be performed by the timer component 1046 of device 1002. In some aspects, the inactive timer may be started in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition has ended. In some aspects, the inactive timer may be started in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition has ended.

[0091] Figure 9 This is a flowchart 900 of a wireless communication method. The method can be performed by a UE or a component of the UE (e.g., UE 104; device 1002; cellular baseband processor 1004, which may include memory 360 and may be the entire UE 350 or components of the UE 350 (such as TX processor 368, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359)). One or more of the described operations may be omitted, interchanged, or performed simultaneously. The method can configure the UE to determine whether a detected PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate with repeating patterns, such that the UE starts an inactive timer after one of the PDCCH repeats.

[0092] At step 902, the UE can receive DRX configuration. For example, step 902 can be performed by the DRX component 1040 of device 1002. The UE can receive DRX configuration from the base station. The UE can receive DRX configuration from the base station via RRC signaling.

[0093] In step 904, the UE can monitor the PDCCH. For example, step 904 can be performed by the monitoring component 1042 of device 1002. The UE can monitor the PDCCH based on the DRX configuration. The DRX configuration may include an inactive timer.

[0094] At 906, the UE can determine whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled. For example, 906 can be performed by the determination component 1044 of device 1002. A linked PDCCH candidate may consist of two or more PDCCH repetitions. In some aspects, the UE can determine that the PDCCH corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate based on at least one of the following: two or more linked PDCCH candidates can always be received together; a bit in the downlink control information (DCI) can indicate that the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate; when the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, a different radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) can be used for scrambling the DCI, or a different scrambling identifier can be used for PDCCH scrambling or demodulation reference signal (DMRS) scrambling. In some aspects, at least the first repetition can be within the active time, and at least the second repetition can be outside the active time. In some aspects, all repetitions of the linked PDCCH candidate can be monitored. In some aspects, only repetitions within the active time can be monitored. In some respects, the repetition of the linked PDCCH candidate may not be monitored.

[0095] In 908, the UE may start the inactive timer in the first symbol after at least one of the two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended. For example, 908 may be performed by the timer component 1046 of device 1002. In some aspects, the inactive timer may be started in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition has ended. In some aspects, the inactive timer may be started in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition has ended.

[0096] Figure 10Figure 1000 illustrates an example of the hardware implementation of device 1002. Device 1002 may be a UE, a component of a UE, or an implementation of UE functionality. In some aspects, device 1002 may include a cellular baseband processor 1004 (also referred to as a modem) coupled to a cellular RF transceiver 1022. In some aspects, device 1002 may further include one or more Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards 1020, an application processor 1006 coupled to a Secure Digital Card (SD) card 1008 and a screen 1010, a Bluetooth module 1012, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) module 1014, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module 1016, or a power supply 1018. The cellular baseband processor 1004 communicates with the UE 104 and / or BS 102 / 180 via the cellular RF transceiver 1022. The cellular baseband processor 1004 may include computer-readable media / memory. The computer-readable media / memory may be non-transient. Cellular baseband processor 1004 is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on a computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by cellular baseband processor 1004, the software causes cellular baseband processor 1004 to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by cellular baseband processor 1004 during software execution. Cellular baseband processor 1004 further includes a receiving component 1030, a communication manager 1032, and a transmitting component 1034. Communication manager 1032 includes one or more of the described components. Components within communication manager 1032 may be stored in computer-readable medium / memory and / or configured as hardware within cellular baseband processor 1004. Cellular baseband processor 1004 may be a component of UE 350 and may include memory 360 and / or at least one of the following: TX processor 368, RX processor 356, and controller / processor 359. In one configuration, device 1002 may be a modem chip and include only baseband processor 1004, while in another configuration, device 1002 may be the entire UE (e.g., see...). Figure 3 (350) and includes, the additional modules of device 1002.

[0097] Communication manager 1032 includes DRX component 1040, which is configured to receive DRX configuration, for example, as in combination with Figure 9 As described in 902. The communication manager 1032 further includes a monitor component 1042 configured to monitor the PDCCH, for example, as in conjunction with Figure 8 802 or Figure 9 As described in 904. The communication manager 1032 further includes a determining component 1044 configured to determine whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled, for example, as in conjunction with... Figure 8 804 or Figure 9 As described in 906. The communication manager 1032 further includes a timer component 1046 configured to start the inactive timer in the first symbol after at least one of the two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended, for example, as in conjunction with... Figure 8 806 or Figure 9 The 908 described

[0098] The device may include execution Figure 8 Or, additional components for each box of the algorithm in flowchart 9. Thus, Figure 8 Each box in flowchart 9 may be executed by a component, and the device may include one or more of those components. These components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to execute the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to execute the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or some combination thereof.

[0099] As shown in the figure, device 1002 may include various components configured for various functions. In one configuration, device 1002, particularly cellular baseband processor 1004, includes means for monitoring PDCCH based on a DRX configuration having an inactive timer. The device includes means for determining whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled. The linked PDCCH candidate consists of two or more PDCCH repetitions. The device includes means for starting the inactive timer in a first symbol after at least one of the two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended. The device further includes means for receiving the DRX configuration from a base station via RRC signaling. The means may be one or more of the components in device 1002 configured to perform the functions described by the means. As described above, device 1002 may include TX processor 368, RX processor 356, and controller / processor 359. Thus, in one configuration, the apparatus may be a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359 configured to perform the functions described by the apparatus.

[0100] Figure 11This is a flowchart 1100 of a wireless communication method. The method can be performed by a base station or a component of a base station (e.g., base station 102 / 180; device 1302; baseband unit 1304, which may include memory 376 and may be the entire base station 310 or components of base station 310 (such as TX processor 316, RX processor 370, and / or controller / processor 375)). One or more of the described operations may be omitted, interchanged, or performed simultaneously. The method allows the base station to configure the UE to determine whether a detected PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate with repeating patterns, such that the UE starts an inactive timer after one of the PDCCH repeats.

[0101] At 1102, the base station can configure DRX configuration. For example, 1102 can be performed by the configuration component 1340 of device 1302. DRX configuration may include an inactive timer. The base station can configure DRX configuration for at least one UE.

[0102] At 1104, the base station can transmit the PDCCH based on the DRX configuration. For example, 1104 can be performed by the PDCCH component 1344 of device 1302. The base station can transmit the PDCCH to the UE based on the DRX configuration. The PDCCH can correspond to a linked PDCCH candidate and new transmissions can be scheduled. The linked PDCCH candidate can consist of two or more PDCCH repetitions. In some aspects, the inactive timer can be started in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition ends. In some aspects, the inactive timer can be started in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition ends. The PDCCH can correspond to the linked PDCCH candidate based on at least one of the following: two or more linked PDCCH candidates can always be received together; a bit in the DCI can indicate that the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate; when the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, different RNTIs can be used for scrambling the DCI, or different scrambling identifiers can be used for PDCCH scrambling or DMRS scrambling. In some respects, at least the first repeat can be within the active time, and at least the second repeat can be outside that active time. In some respects, all repeats of the linked PDCCH candidate can be monitored. In some respects, only repeats within the active time can be monitored. In some respects, repeats of the linked PDCCH candidate may not be monitored.

[0103] Figure 12This is a flowchart 1200 of a wireless communication method. The method can be performed by a base station or a component of a base station (e.g., base station 102 / 180; device 1302; baseband unit 1304, which may include memory 376 and may be the entire base station 310 or components of base station 310 (such as TX processor 316, RX processor 370, and / or controller / processor 375)). One or more of the described operations may be omitted, interchanged, or performed simultaneously. The method allows the base station to configure the UE to determine whether a detected PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate with repeating patterns, such that the UE starts an inactive timer after one of the PDCCH repeats.

[0104] At 1202, the base station can configure DRX configuration. For example, 1202 can be performed by configuration component 1340 of device 1302. DRX configuration may include inactive timers. The base station can configure DRX configuration for at least one UE.

[0105] At 1204, the base station can transmit DRX configuration. For example, 1204 can be performed by the DRX component 1342 of device 1302. The base station can transmit DRX configuration to at least one UE. The base station can transmit DRX configuration to the UE via RRC signaling.

[0106] In 1206, the base station can transmit the PDCCH based on the DRX configuration. For example, 1206 can be performed by the PDCCH component 1344 of device 1302. The base station can transmit the PDCCH to the UE based on the DRX configuration. The PDCCH can correspond to linked PDCCH candidates and schedule new transmissions. The linked PDCCH candidates can consist of two or more PDCCH repetitions. In some aspects, the inactive timer can be started in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition ends. In some aspects, the inactive timer can be started in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition ends. The PDCCH can correspond to the linked PDCCH candidate based on at least one of the following: two or more linked PDCCH candidates can always be received together; a bit in the DCI can indicate that the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate; when the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, different RNTIs can be used for scrambling the DCI, or different scrambling identifiers can be used for PDCCH scrambling or DMRS scrambling. In some respects, at least the first repeat can be within the active time, and at least the second repeat can be outside that active time. In some respects, all repeats of the linked PDCCH candidate can be monitored. In some respects, only repeats within the active time can be monitored. In some respects, repeats of the linked PDCCH candidate may not be monitored.

[0107] Figure 13Figure 1300 illustrates an example of the hardware implementation of device 1302. Device 1302 may be a base station, a component of a base station, or implement base station functionality. In some aspects, device 1302 may include a baseband unit 1304. Baseband unit 1304 may communicate with UE 104 via cellular RF transceiver 1322. Baseband unit 1304 may include computer-readable medium / memory. Baseband unit 1304 is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by baseband unit 1304, the software causes baseband unit 1304 to perform the various functions described above. Computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by baseband unit 1304 during software execution. Baseband unit 1304 further includes a receiving component 1330, a communication manager 1332, and a transmitting component 1334. Communication manager 1332 includes one or more of the illustrated components. Components within the communication manager 1332 may be stored in a computer-readable medium / memory and / or configured as hardware within the baseband unit 1304. The baseband unit 1304 may be a component of the base station 310 and may include a memory 376 and / or at least one of the following: a TX processor 316, an RX processor 370, and a controller / processor 375.

[0108] Communication manager 1332 includes configuration component 1340, which can configure DRX configuration, for example, as in combination with Figure 11 1102 or Figure 12 As described in 1202. The communication manager 1332 further includes a DRX component 1342 that can transmit DRX configuration, for example, as in conjunction with... Figure 12 As described in 1204. The communication manager 1332 further includes a PDCCH component 1344, which can transmit PDCCH based on the DRX configuration, for example, as in combination with... Figure 11 1104 or Figure 12 As described in 1206.

[0109] The device may include execution Figure 11 Or, additional components for each box of the algorithm in flowchart 12. Thus, Figure 11 Each box in flowchart 12 may be executed by a component, and the device may include one or more of those components. These components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to execute the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to execute the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or some combination thereof.

[0110] As shown in the figure, device 1302 may include various components configured for various functions. In one configuration, device 1302, and in particular baseband unit 1304, includes means for configuring a DRX configuration with an inactive timer. The device includes means for transmitting a PDCCH to the UE based on the DRX configuration. The UE determines whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled. A linked PDCCH candidate consists of two or more PDCCH repetitions. The means may be one or more of the components in device 1302 configured to perform the functions described by the means. As described above, device 1302 may include a TX processor 316, an RX processor 370, and a controller / processor 375. Thus, in one configuration, the means may be the TX processor 316, the RX processor 370, and the controller / processor 375 configured to perform the functions described by the means.

[0111] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the boxes in the disclosed process / flowcharts is an explanation of exemplary methods. It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the boxes in these process / flowcharts can be rearranged based on design preferences. Furthermore, some boxes may be combined or omitted. The appended method claims present the elements of the various boxes in an exemplary order and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0112] The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will readily be understood by those skilled in the art, and the universal principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be granted the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein references to the singular form of an element, unless specifically stated otherwise, are not intended to mean “one and only one,” but rather “one or more.” Terms such as “if,” “when,” and “at the time of” should be interpreted as meaning “under this condition,” rather than implying a direct temporal relationship or reaction. That is, these phrases (e.g., “when”) do not imply an immediate action in response to the occurrence of an action or during the occurrence of an action, but only imply that an action will occur when a condition is met, without requiring a specific or immediate temporal constraint for the action to occur. The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or overriding other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some / a” refers to one or more. Combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, and C", and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" include any combination of A, B, and / or C, and may include multiple A, multiple B, or multiple C. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, and C", and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" may be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, wherein any such combination may include one or more members of A, B, or C. Elements of all aspects described throughout this disclosure that are presently or hereafter known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended as a donation to the public, whether or not such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. Terms such as “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” and “device” are not necessarily substitutes for the term “apparatus.” Thus, no claim element should be interpreted as an apparatus plus a function unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase “apparatus for…”.

[0113] The following aspects are illustrative only and may be combined with other aspects or teachings described herein without limitation.

[0114] Aspect 1 is an apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: at least one processor coupled to a memory and configured to: monitor a PDCCH based on a DRX configuration having an inactive timer; determine whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled, wherein the linked PDCCH candidate consists of two or more PDCCH repetitions; and after at least one of the two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended, start the inactive timer in a first symbol.

[0115] Aspect 2 is the apparatus of aspect 1, further comprising a transceiver coupled to the at least one processor.

[0116] Aspect 3 is the apparatus of any one of Aspects 1 and 2, further comprising starting the inactive timer in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition ends.

[0117] Aspect 4 is the apparatus of any one of Aspects 1-3, further comprising starting the inactive timer in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition has ended.

[0118] Aspect 5 is the apparatus of any one of Aspects 1-4, further comprising that the at least one processor is further configured to receive the DRX configuration from the base station via RRC signaling.

[0119] Aspect 6 is the apparatus of any one of Aspects 1-5, further comprising determining whether the PDCCH corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate by at least one of the following: two or more linked PDCCH candidates are always received together; a bit in the DCI indicates that the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate; when the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, different RNTIs are used for scrambling the DCI, or different scrambling identifiers are used for PDCCH scrambling or DMRS scrambling.

[0120] Aspect 7 is the apparatus of any one of Aspects 1-6, further comprising at least a first repetition within the active time and at least a second repetition outside the active time.

[0121] Aspect 8 is the apparatus of any one of Aspects 1-7, further comprising monitoring all repetitions of the linked PDCCH candidate.

[0122] Aspect 9 is the apparatus of any one of aspects 1-8, further comprising repeated monitoring during the active time period.

[0123] Aspect 10 is the apparatus of any one of Aspects 1-9, further comprising that the repetition of the linked PDCCH candidate is not monitored.

[0124] Aspect 11 is a wireless communication method for implementing any one of aspects 1-10.

[0125] Aspect 12 is a device for wireless communication, including means for implementing any one of aspects 1-10.

[0126] Aspect 13 is a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code, wherein when executed by a processor, the processor enables the processor to implement any of aspects 1-10.

[0127] Aspect 14 is an apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory and configured to configure a DRX configuration with an inactive timer; and to transmit a PDCCH to a UE based on the DRX configuration, wherein the UE determines whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled, wherein the linked PDCCH candidate consists of two or more repeated PDCCHs.

[0128] Aspect 15 is an apparatus of aspect 14, further comprising a transceiver coupled to the at least one processor.

[0129] Aspect 16 is the apparatus of any one of Aspects 14 and 15, further comprising starting the inactive timer in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition ends.

[0130] Aspect 17 is the apparatus of any one of Aspects 14-16, further comprising starting the inactive timer in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition has ended.

[0131] Aspect 18 is the apparatus of any one of aspects 14-17, further comprising the DRX configuration being transmitted via RRC signaling.

[0132] Aspect 19 is the apparatus of any one of Aspects 14-18, further comprising the PDCCH corresponding to the linked PDCCH candidate based on at least one of the following: two or more linked PDCCH candidates are always received together, a bit in the DCI indicates that the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, and when the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, a different RNTI is used for scrambling the DCI, or a different scrambling identifier is used for PDCCH scrambling or DMRS scrambling.

[0133] Aspect 20 is the apparatus of any one of aspects 14-19, further comprising at least a first repetition within the active time and at least a second repetition outside the active time.

[0134] Aspect 21 is the apparatus of any one of aspects 14-20, further comprising monitoring all repetitions of the linked PDCCH candidate.

[0135] Aspect 22 is the apparatus of any one of aspects 14-21, further comprising repeated monitoring during the active time period.

[0136] Aspect 23 is the apparatus of any one of aspects 14-22, further comprising that the repetition of the linked PDCCH candidate is not monitored.

[0137] Aspect 24 is a wireless communication method for implementing any one of aspects 14-23.

[0138] Aspect 25 is a device for wireless communication, including means for implementing any one of aspects 14-23.

[0139] Aspect 26 is a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code, wherein when executed by a processor, the processor enables the processor to implement any of aspects 14-23.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: Memory; as well as At least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to the memory and configured to: Monitoring of the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is based on a Discontinuous Receive (DRX) configuration, which has an inactive timer. Determine whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled, wherein the linked PDCCH candidate consists of two or more repeated PDCCHs; as well as In response to the PDCCH corresponding to the linked PDCCH candidate and the new transmission being scheduled, the inactive timer is started in the first symbol after at least one of the two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a transceiver coupled to the at least one processor.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inactive timer is started in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition ends.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inactive timer is started in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition has ended.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: The DRX configuration is received from the base station via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein determining whether the PDCCH corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate includes at least one of the following: Two or more linked PDCCH candidates are always received together. One bit in the downlink control information (DCI) indicates that the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate. When the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, a different Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) is used to scramble the DCI, or Different scrambling identifiers are used for PDCCH scrambling or demodulation reference signal (DMRS) scrambling.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least the first repetition occurs within the active time and at least the second repetition occurs outside the active time.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein all repetitions of the linked PDCCH candidate are monitored.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the repetition during the active time period is monitored.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the repetition of the linked PDCCH candidate is not monitored.

11. A method for conducting wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: Monitoring of the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is based on a Discontinuous Receive (DRX) configuration, which has an inactive timer. Determine whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled, wherein the linked PDCCH candidate consists of two or more repeated PDCCHs; as well as In response to the PDCCH corresponding to the linked PDCCH candidate and the new transmission being scheduled, the inactive timer is started in the first symbol after at least one of the two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the inactive timer is started in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition ends.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the inactive timer is started in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition ends.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The DRX configuration is received from the base station via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein determining whether the PDCCH corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate includes at least one of the following: Two or more linked PDCCH candidates are always received together. One bit in the downlink control information (DCI) indicates that the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate. When the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, a different Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) is used to scramble the DCI, or Different scrambling identifiers are used for PDCCH scrambling or demodulation reference signal (DMRS) scrambling.

16. An apparatus for conducting wireless communication at a base station, comprising: Memory; as well as At least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to the memory and configured to: Configure Discontinuous Receive (DRX) configuration with an inactive timer; and Based on the DRX configuration, a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is transmitted, wherein the User Equipment (UE) determines whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled, and in response to the PDCCH corresponding to the linked PDCCH candidate and the new transmission being scheduled, after at least one of two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended, the inactivity timer is started in a first symbol, wherein the linked PDCCH candidate consists of the two or more PDCCH repetitions.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a transceiver coupled to the at least one processor.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the inactive timer is started in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition ends.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the inactive timer is started in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition has ended.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the DRX configuration is transmitted via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the PDCCH corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate based on at least one of the following: Two or more linked PDCCH candidates are always received together. One bit in the downlink control information (DCI) indicates that the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate. When the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, a different Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) is used to scramble the DCI, or Different scrambling identifiers are used for PDCCH scrambling or demodulation reference signal (DMRS) scrambling.

22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least the first repetition occurs within the active time, and at least the second repetition occurs outside the active time.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein all repetitions of the linked PDCCH candidates are monitored.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the repetition during the active time period is monitored.

25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the repetition of the linked PDCCH candidate is not monitored.

26. A method for conducting wireless communication at a base station, comprising: Configure Discontinuous Receive (DRX) configuration with inactive timers; as well as Based on the DRX configuration, a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is transmitted, wherein the User Equipment (UE) determines whether the PDCCH corresponds to a linked PDCCH candidate and whether a new transmission is scheduled, and in response to the PDCCH corresponding to the linked PDCCH candidate and the new transmission being scheduled, after at least one of two or more PDCCH repetitions has ended, the inactivity timer is started in a first symbol, wherein the linked PDCCH candidate consists of the two or more PDCCH repetitions.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the inactive timer is started in the first symbol after the first PDCCH repetition ends.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the inactive timer is started in the first symbol after the last PDCCH repetition has ended.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the DRX configuration is transmitted via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein the PDCCH corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate based on at least one of the following: Two or more linked PDCCH candidates are always received together. One bit in the downlink control information (DCI) indicates that the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate. When the DCI corresponds to the linked PDCCH candidate, a different Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) is used to scramble the DCI, or Different scrambling identifiers are used for PDCCH scrambling or demodulation reference signal (DMRS) scrambling.

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